Trinec vs Zvolen

Růžička's 33-second opener set the tone decisively. Zvolen, arriving in Třinec with two pre-season losses already (0-1 to Zlín, 3-4 to Žiar nad Hronom), were on the back foot from the opening shift. The early strike gave Třinec control of the game's tempo and allowed them to dictate terms throughout.

Michal Kovařčík (Třinec) — Two goals (28:49, 45:56), an assist on Růžička's opener, and a constant threat on the top line. His power-play deflection at 28:49 broke the game open when Zvolen were still in touch at 1-0.

Ondřej Kovařčík (Třinec) — Two primary assists on the first two goals, combining seamlessly with his brother Michal and Nestrašil on the productive first unit.

Ondřej Kacetl (Třinec) — The veteran goaltender faced only moderate traffic but stood firm when called upon, stopping Kalmikov's dangerous deflection in the third period and a Macek breakaway to preserve the clean sheet.

Patrik Koch (Třinec) — A secondary assist on the fourth goal and steady defensive work, though his late roughing penalty with seconds remaining gave Zvolen one final power play they could not convert.

Player of the Match: Michal Kovařčík

Třinec's 4-0 scoreline reflected a clinical edge in front of goal rather than overwhelming territorial dominance. The Oceláři converted two of their three power-play opportunities (including Kovařčík's second-period tally) while Zvolen went 0-for-4 with the man advantage, including three fruitless power plays in the third period alone. The shot count was relatively even through stretches — Zvolen created danger through Barcík, Macek and Kalmikov in the third — but Kacetl's composure and Třinec's finishing made the difference where it mattered.

Třinec now have three pre-season wins from three outings, having also beaten Slovan Bratislava 6-5 earlier in their preparation. Zvolen, under new head coach Marek Zadina, remain winless in pre-season (0-3) and will look to reset at the upcoming Memoriál Pavla Zábojníka at home. Třinec next host HC Kometa Brno at WERK ARENA on Wednesday 26 August at 16:00 local time.

A one-sided affair settled in the opening minute. Třinec's first-period efficiency, power-play execution and Kacetl's clean sheet combined for a professional pre-season performance. Zvolen have work to do before the Tipos extraliga season begins, particularly on a power play that generated little across four opportunities.